In addition, I'd go to some local networking groups to meet other investors now.

Then insurance is an additional hedge for against total loss.Reducing risk in how well you operate, ensuring safe grounds & premises is important, then as well as reducing the amount of inside & outside liability you generate can help avoid instances of needing to submit claims.

I’m now exploring additional ways to keep occupancy strong—such as veteran housing programs, OPWDD, immigrant housing, or other referral sources—so if anyone has leads or contacts, I’d appreciate it.

I collect a pet fee to help offset the cost of any additional cleaning that might be needed for pet hair and such.

Quote from @William Whitley: I have an investor client that purchased an improved property for rental and it included an additional lot.

I can't tell you how many people I've met through BiggerPockets who formed additional entities in specific states citing stronger charging order protection.

We regularly add walls to create an additional bedroom, instantly increasing the rent ceiling for Section 8.4.⁠ ⁠

Additionally, investor-friendly policies, including no state income tax, enhance appeal for out-of-state buyers.However, pushback on investing in Texas often centers on market-specific risks.

What do you mean by the additional $18/sq design fee was not included? 

Only tap it to improve those 3 properties - and only improve if health & safety issues or if it will correspondingly increase rents.Do NOT improve the properties like you'd live in them - just, MAINTAIN TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.Many here will try to lead you into tapping the 70% equity for additional purchases.- Without knowing what you are doing, this could be a disaster that leads to you losing everything:(Better to learn how to manage the 3 you have and IMPROVE operations to improve cashflow.